Three Best Beaches - Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico has 272 miles of coastline, and plenty of beaches to go around it. To contrast, there are places with water as calm as a pond and fantastic breakers with world class surf. Beaches here may be lined with high-rise condos and hotels, or in pristine national wildlife refuges.

But it doesn't matter what you're up to - a laid-back siesta with a clean hammock, or a party with the best reggaeton around - there is a beach in Puerto Rico for you. Here, you'll find a great system of balnearios, or public beaches, that - like Curacao, charge a small fee. They have ample parking and lifeguards, concessions and bathrooms.

And we found something special here; four of the beaches, two in San Juan, one at Luquillo, and one on Isla Culebra - are Blue Flag Beaches. This means they are administered in a safe and environmentally conscious manner.

Media Luna Beach, Vieques Island, Puerto Rico

San Juan has been a tourist destination for decades, with convenience and casinos, age-old Latin culture and weather that's hard to beat. The fortress guarding the harbor here, San Felipe del Morro, is a must visit. But let's head out to the beaches which are sure to please.

First a note about Puerto Rican beaches. We found that the most white were on the smaller islands of Culebra and Vieques. We believe this is because there is less silt content in the sand from the mountains of the main island.

But tan beaches can be enjoyable. Some beaches we found had too much sea grass to make them nice to wade in. Others were just downright treacherous. Off the northwest coast are the best surf beaches - but you must mind the currents or you can get in trouble real quick.

And finally, there's a move about to give Puerto Rico autonomy. You'll see and hear chatter about it everywhere. And that's okay. Puerto Ricans need what's theirs. On Vieques, bad vibes still exist over the Navy's long occupation, turning much of the island into a target range. Some places on the island are still off limits because of unexploded bombs.

So we start out with my favorite, Condado. It's close enough to see from the airport and worth the visit. Next! >>>

Labels: balnearios, blue flag beaches, condado, isla culebra, luquillo, puerto rico beaches, san felipe del morro, san juan

You couldn't ask for a more convenient address. Condado is just a 10-minute drive from the airport (Luis Munoz Marin International), or even Old San Juan (where San Felipe del Morro is). It's a favorite of tourists from all over, and the location isn't the only reason. Condado sits just beyond Gran Ventana al Mar plaza, and the nicest section fronts the San Juan Marriot Resort & Stellaris Casino.

Past the hotels, Condado just gets a little rougher. It's hard to negotiate due to the ironshore outcrops, yet here you'll find a natural protected pool. Take care in the water here. There are strong undertows and the shore break can be challenging.

El Escambron Beach, San Juan, Puerto Rico

The reason we love Condado so much is because it is calm, and it feels like you're in a neighborhood - much like Praia dos Ossos Beach in Buzios, Brazil. For example, Ashford Drive, the main street just south of the water, has a nice variety of cafes and restaurants. You'll find your share of portoriqueno cuisine here.

Want an even more "local" feel? Check out El Escambron, a Blue Flag Beach just a half-mile from here with fantastic views of the fortress in Old San Juan. We found Escambron really alive on the weekends, with the locals playing dominoes. El Escambron has a great area for snorkel as well.

Just east of Condado, there's the beautiful curved Ocean Park Beach. This beach is two miles long - but because of the gated community here, it's hard to find the entrance to the beach. Take the narrow walk at Park Boulevard and you'll find Ocean Park Beach. It's a fun beach to tan, but because of the tradewinds, the water is choppy making it perfect for kiteboarders.

Condado - Beach Index: